Hardware Store All-Stars: Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma

In a retail environment that's so often transgenerational and longevity-oriented, there's something to be said about staying power.

HCN's fourth annual list of Hardware Store All-Stars recognizes hardware stores that have stayed in the family, weathered many storms and even expanded mightily beyond their initial outposts.

HCN Daily will profile the honorees, moving across the map of the United States from East to West -- continuing this week with Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma.

Nebraska: At 37 locations large across seven states, Mead Lumber contains multitudes. It's also owned by multitudes -- 400 employee owners, to be exact. In Nebraska City, a full array of services keeps the hub moving, including glass cutting, paint matching and project consultation. Mead is a Midwest powerhouse, with All-Star expectations.

Kansas: In the same location for the past 90 years, Strasser Hardware leads the market in power tools and Stihl equipment. At 40,000 sq. ft., this True Value All Star carries hard-to-find items in a format described as a sort of cross between home center and industrial hardware dealer.

Oklahoma: Fresh from its recent modernization, Gordon White Lumber is the ideal representation of a father-to-son transformation. The newest location of the six-unit company features a modern layout that brings customers directly to a wall of exclusive products.

For the full print issue feature and state-by-state list of HCN Hardware Store All-Stars, click here for the September digital edition.